Foot pain may result from a wide variety of problems. Two common observations are vascular problems (low blood supply) and, often times, systemic muscle contraction. Bilateral foot pain is frequently associated with a systemic medical condition, such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, etc. Unilateral foot pain is mostly associated with unequal weight bearing or pelvis inequality, which leads to excessive wear and tear. The most common causes for foot pain include trauma (strain or sprain), arthritis, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, Morton’s neuroma, bunions and/or peripheral neuropathy caused by the disease.

Through clinical experience treating various types of foot pain, we notice that circulatory dysfunction plays a major role. Feet are the most distant body parts, which makes them vulnerable to poor circulation. As a result, nerve pain, muscle spasm, swelling and pitting edema are common.

Acupuncture has a profound effect on foot pain due to its ability to relax the spastic tissue, improve blood flow and discharge the electrical and chemical imbalance of the painful foot. Moxibustion is also very effective in increasing circulation and moving stagnated blood; as with a sprain.

Heel spurs (also medically known as plantar fasciitis) are a common cause of deep pain on the bottom surface of the heel. The plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue, which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, from the heel to the toes. It helps secure the arch. Long-standing inflammation causes the deposition of calcium at the point where it inserts into the heel bone. This results in the appearance of a heel spur on the X-ray. The spur itself is not painful; however, the irritation it causes in through the plantar fascia is what triggers the heel pain. Plantar fasciitis may also present itself as pain anywhere along the sole of the foot, particularly along the arch and just in front of the heel.

The symptoms get worse with weight bearing and walking and tend to be worse in the morning and after rest. Plantar fasciitis is more common in middle-aged and overweight adults, as well as long-distance runners.

It is recommended to see a physician when heel pain is persistent. Treatments may include a prescription anti-inflammatory medication, injection or physical therapy.

Physical therapy is of fundamental importance through massage and exercise to achieve restoration of normal joint mobility. Early treatment has been shown to help more than 80% of patients.

Acupuncture has a profound effect on foot pain due to its ability to relax the spastic tissue, improve blood flow and discharge the electrical and chemical imbalance of a painful foot. Moxibustion is also very effective in increasing circulation and moving stagnated blood, as with a sprain.